Justification. We’ve read it in scripture. We’ve talked about in bible studies. We’ve invented clichés to describe it. But, do we truly know what it means? “Just as if I’d never sinned” is one of the most poignant clichés to describe it, but is that all there is to it? If all our attention is focused on what we’ve already done and that Jesus’ blood only covers those sins, there’s always that question in the back of my mind of whether or not He’ll cover sins I’ve never even thought of yet. In Romans 5: 1 the word ‘justification’ is mentioned. The same Greek root word for justification is ‘righteousness’. If you were to ask how many Christians feel righteous there would be few that would answer “yes”, and yet…we ARE righteous IN Christ Jesus. Something magnificent happened at the cross of Calvary. Jesus Christ removed ALL our sins. He removed them as far as the east is from the west and cast them into the uttermost parts of the sea. They’re gone…ALL of them, even the ones we’ve not yet committed. Not only did he remove our sins on the cross, but he imparted his own righteousness onto US. We’re not righteous because we’re good…we’re righteous because Jesus gave us His righteousness. Look at those first two verses: “Since we have been justified = [made righteous BY FAITH] we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through HIM we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” While it’s true that we cannot completely understand the bigness of our salvation (because it’s so magnificent) we can certainly understand the bigness of our sins. But you and I need to understand and appreciate that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross dealt with our sin problem and continues to do so every day we live. Have you surrendered yourself to the only remedy for sin that exists? Have you given your life to Christ? Without Him you won’t have peace. Without Him you won’t have access to obtain holiness. Without Him you cannot stand. Without Him there will be no rejoicing.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin The story of Esther in the bible is one of the most poignant sagas of all time. The Jews lived in exile because of their disobedience toward God. Persia had been assigned by God to chastise His people. In the midst of this saga we’re introduced to some key players: Esther, Mordecai, Haman and King Ahasuerus. Because Haman thinks more of himself than the furtherance of the Persian kingdom or the Hebrew slaves, he sets himself up for disaster. The king had promoted Haman and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. (Esther 3:1). Because Haman was promoted he felt little respect for his subordinates. One of the Jewish slaves, Mordecai had sworn that he would not bow to anyone but the Lord. Because of his resistance, Haman became incensed. He despised Mordecai so much that he set in order a plan to annihilate ALL the Jews! Little did Haman know that Mordecai was kin to one of Queen Vashti’s successors! Enter Esther: beautiful, smart, loyal and niece of Mordecai. Mordecai had been called to raise her after her father and mother had died. Once Mordecai learns of Haman’s plot to kill all the Jews, he summons his niece/daughter to help the Hebrew cause. Listen to his words in Esther 4: 13, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” We know how the story ends, don’t we? Esther does as her uncle instructed her and Haman ends up hanging on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. But the best part is when Esther wins the king’s favor and reverses the edict which Haman had instituted to kill all the Jews. Notice the reaction of the Jews when the learn that that a decree had been signed by the king to spare the Hebrew people. Chapter 8: 16, “The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday.” Light, gladness, joy and honor. Can you picture it?? And yet, this was only temporary freedom. What is our reaction to our God knowing that we enjoy ETERNAL freedom through Christ Jesus? Jesus truly paid it all. All to HIM we owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin This past Tuesday was a day that started like many other days. I got up, made my coffee and went to the living room to do my morning devotional before heading to the office. I knew this day would be somewhat special because it was the first day our Nursery School students would be coming to school. I figured (rightfully so) that there would be some children who would struggle to release the grip around mommy or daddy’s neck. I also knew my nephew (Eli) would be coming to school for the first time and I made sure to greet him when he came through the door. But what I WASN’T expecting was a call from my uncle. You see, my uncle is 86 years old. My uncle is my father’s only brother. My uncle is one who was raised by grandfather and grandmother (Godly examples in the Lord’s church). And, my uncle was also one who had never made a commitment to Christ by putting Him on in baptism. So, I was a little shocked that he had called me. He asked how my schedule looked and I thought he was going to ask me to come to the convalescent home my aunt was in to pray with her or to help him with her in some way. Imagine my surprise when he told me he wanted to be baptized into Christ! I was stunned! I had gone to talk to him numerous times about making a commitment to Christ in times past to no avail. My father had spoken to him many, many times on the phone and in person about the importance of accepting Jesus as his Savior. Add to that the fact that my uncle had been through open heart by-pass surgery in times past as well. We knew time was of the essence. And, then…my phone rang this morning. I know there are folks in your family who (for whatever reason) have never made a commitment to Jesus and I know some of you have all but given up hope. Can I encourage you to pray for them once again? Can I encourage you to lift them up to your heavenly Father one more time to turn their life over to Jesus? Who knows? You might receive a phone call just like I did. And, your day will certainly be filled with new hope!
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Recently, you were asked to participate in a survey to help you understand what spiritual gifts you possess. Paul reminded the Corinthians, “there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12: 4). He goes on to say in v. 7, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Any time I can use my God-given talents to help a fellow Christian, God is glorified. Not only is God glorified, the body of Christ is empowered to do greater things for the cause of Christ. You may or may not have chosen to take the Spiritual Gifts survey. While it’s true our works don’t save us, they do give God an indication as to how appreciative we are for all He’s done for us. Even if you chose not to take the survey (which you still have opportunity if you’ve changed your mind!) there are ALWAYS things you can do to build up the church. Helping out around the building, visiting the Nursery School to lend a hand, visiting folks in the hospital, sending cards of encouragement, helping teach a bible class, working with young people, volunteering to help with MOPS, delivering food to those who are shut in or ill, taking time to help in our Training for Worship program, etc. You see, there are always things needing done! Paul reminded those in Corinth, “The body doesn’t consist of one member, but MANY.” (1 Cor. 12: 14). The way Christ’s church has been designed to operate consists of ALL its members doing their part to the benefit of the whole. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it…” Use your gifts to glorify God and serve those around you. By allowing yourself to become immersed in service, you have a tendency to forget your own troubles. It also makes the person you’re serving feel special. They need it…you need it and God expects it.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Joel and I are coming closer to wrapping up our study of the Holy Spirit. I pray that it has been beneficial to you as much as it has to us. A study such as this doesn’t have to be shrouded in mystery. God has revealed all we need to know in regard to how the Spirit works in and through us. It ought to give us tremendous comfort to know He’s indwelling us as Christians (Acts 2: 38). He convicts us of sin that would lead to our destruction (John 16:8). He leads us in the way of righteousness (John 16:8). He shows us the way of truth (John 16:13). He is our helper (John 14: 16), our comforter (John 16: 7) and our intercessor (Romans 8:26-27). He searches our hearts and intercedes for us according to God’s will. Jesus has promised us the Spirit would be with us forever (John 14: 16). Because all these things are true, there are things expected of us. He calls us to be obedient (John 14:15). He expects us to keep His commandments (John 14:21). We are expected to keep His Word (John 14:23). We are to exhibit peace that surpasses understanding (John 14: 27). We are to love each other just as Christ Jesus has loved us (John 15: 12). He also calls us to use the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit to grow the body of Christ on earth. “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Cor. 12: 7). The Holy Spirit has enabled you to help grow, solidify, serve and build up the church with the gifts He has imparted unto you. Our obedience to the things God has called us to do shows our love for Him.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin As we’ve been studying the subject of God’s Holy Spirit over the course of the last several weeks, I’ve receive many comments on the matter. To me, this is one of the greatest benefits of ministry: folks becoming interested about things of God! I love all your comments, ideals, suggestions, etc. I also encourage you to engage in a study of God’s Holy Spirit in your private time of study. There’s no greater benefit for the Christian than for our Heavenly Father to watch His children soaking up the truths of scripture. God, in a real sense, dwells in those who are His children. This is the promise of scripture. The fact that we cannot see, hear, feel or emotionally experience this indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a physical way does not negate the promise of God. We know that God dwells in us because the Bible tells us so! Remind yourself that a spirit does not have physical characteristics to be discerned by our five senses. A man cannot prove or disprove the presence of a spirit by scientific examination. A spirit does not take up space, nor is he limited in time. The doctrine that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God is a biblical doctrine. The doctrine that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God only lacks biblical truth. The only way we can know about the Holy Spirit or any spiritual being is through the revelation of God. Jesus says in Luke 24: 39, “…a spirit has not flesh and bones”. I believe that truth because Jesus said it! In John 4: 24, Jesus also said, “God is Spirit”. I accept that truth. Because the Scriptures say angels are “ministering spirits” (Heb. 1: 14), I know it to be true. Because Peter promised those who repented and were baptized would “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2: 38), I acknowledge that to be true. A proof that we can know God’s indwelling through His Spirit fall under three criteria. The first is to “love one another”. The second is the “indwelling of His Spirit”. And, the third is the confession that “Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 4: 12-15 “No one has beheld God at any time, if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit…Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in Him, and he in God.” The indwelling of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit is not something that can be known through emotional experiences; it can only be determined by the criteria set forth by God’s Holy Word.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin There are those who go through life in a state of discontentment simply because they’re not able to completely understand why certain things are as they are. Try as they might, they cannot nail a concept down as resolutely as they wish, therefore, their days are filled with discontent. “If only I could understand” they quip, but that assurance escapes them time and again. Listen to these words found in Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” While it’s one thing to quote those verses, it’s something else entirely different to live them! Remind yourself that understanding will never bring you the peace you’re chasing. That’s why we’re instructed to TRUST! It’s unfortunate that we have this voracious appetite for trying to figure things out. What we’re saying to others is: “I will find contentment in learning mastery over this or that”. Interestingly enough, though, as soon as we find “mastery” over one query, three have replaced the first one! Why is it we’re more prone to seek ‘mastery’ over something instead of trusting the Master? Peace isn’t some pipe dream which is short-lived in the life of a Christian. Peace is something imbedded deeply within the recesses of one’s soul because of the ability one has to trust their Creator. Stop leaning on your own understanding and embrace the One whose purpose is to make your paths straight. Acknowledge Him in ALL your ways; not just the ones you don’t think you can handle!
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin At the moment we take Christ Jesus on in baptism, His Spirit indwells us. He strengthens us with His Spirit in our inner self so Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. All this is done so we’ll be rooted and grounded in love so we can know the width, length, depth and height of Jesus’ love for us. The only way I’m able to know the width, length, depth and height of Jesus’ love for me is to have a special, personal, effective relationship with God. At one time I was taught that the Holy Spirit works only through the Word. But, then I read John 3 when Jesus has a discussion with Nicodemus. Jesus tells him in v. 7f, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘you must be born again. THE WIND BLOWS WHERE IT WISHES, AND YOU HEAR ITS SOUND, BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW WHERE IT COMES FROM OR WHERE IT GOES. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Just because the Spirit and the Word have different functions within the salvation process doesn’t mean one is more important than the other! Read John 14: 16-17. The Spirit that Jesus sent can be seen and known by Christians but not non-Christians. If that’s true, how can what Jesus “has sent” be referring to the Bible? I know quite a few lost people who own and even some who diligently study the Bible. Jesus said that only Christians possess and experience the indwelling of the Spirit. When Jesus spoke of Living Water, He was referencing the Holy Spirit. This promise is to anyone who is thirsty, not just those on whom hands might be laid by an Apostle. The promise is to whoever believes on the Christ. Once received, the Holy Spirit will “flow from within” the believer. Could Jesus have been speaking about the Word? Was the Word not received until Jesus was glorified? Do Christians receive the Word when they are saved? Isn’t it rather they “hear” the Word and receive it before they believe, and believe before they are saved? Jesus said that this Living Water would come to those who have already believed. (Gal. 4: 6) He sent His Spirit of His Son into our hearts because we ARE his sons/daughters. Do you thirst for the Word? You should! We all need more knowledge of God’s Word and we are NEVER filled. But, once we have the Spirit, we never need receive Him again. The Spirit gives life—eternal life! Moreover, this life-giving occurs not just at baptism, but throughout the life of the Christian. Embrace the presence of God’s Spirit. Allow him to convict you of sin. Be sensitive to the things of God. Live your life in such a way as to glorify the One who loves you!
Have a blessed day, and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin Time after time there are needs which surface in the community we live in and beyond. Often the call goes out, “We need contributions, collections, food, supplies, etc.” And, time after time our church family rises to the occasion. Over $6000.00 has been raised for flood victims in the south. Canned goods, mattresses, linens, bed sheets, perishable items, toiletries, paper towels and vast amounts of water donated. Volunteers have also risen to the occasion to head south in an effort to assist flood victims. Cookies for church camp, collections for VBS…the list never ends…and, neither do YOU. I count it a privilege to be a part of a body of believers which are some of the most giving, loving and serving people one could ever hope to be associated with. More than once our Shepherds have made the comment of how generous each of you are. I couldn’t agree more. The 2016 Blood Drive is upon us. Monday, July 25th marks the day of collection. 1-7 pm. We don’t ask for much around here…just your life’s blood! Soon our Nursery School will be seeking donations for the start of a new school year. Lord willing, we’ll be scheduling a Free Market before Christmas. And, the list goes on…and so do you. Allow me to express my gratitude for your generosity. You’re laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither rust nor moth corrupt. You will receive a reward for your labors, but until then, please accept this token of ‘thanks’.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin I’m not sure how many of you read this post. As with anything, I’m sure there’s a certain redundancy that occurs in life. Day becomes another day, weeks drag on and months pass by with a certain consistency. In the hum of life, we can allow ourselves to be mesmerized by the mundane. The moors of mediocrity can lull us into a certain state of un-awareness. I pray that never happens with your relationship with Jesus. Yes, life can be trying. It can be difficult. It can even be downright boring! I try to keep everyone aware of what’s happening in our ministry, and so if you peruse this insert from time to time, you’ll be apt to discover some of the means to my madness! We’ve embarked upon a new journey of exploring our God-given spiritual gifts. I know that I can be guilty of being excited about things others might seem skeptical of. You might be thinking: “Great, another thing the preacher thinks we need to be doing.” Allow me to ease your mind. This has nothing to do with me. This is God’s recipe for the growth and maintenance of HIS church. It has everything to do with him and nothing to do with me, which is as it should be. You and I have volunteered to serve in the greatest army known to man. The Lord’s army is supplied, strengthened and sustained by power from above. It’s still up to us to engage in the reasonable service of sacrificial living. (Romans 12: 1). We’ve also started a brand new study on Wednesday evenings. One of the greatest books of all New Testament literature is the letter Paul sent to Rome. This promises to be a study which challenges us to recognize the incredible free gift of salvation through Christ. It also enhances the respect each of us need to have one for another. I pray you’ll be able to clear your schedule on Wednesdays at either 11:30 AM or 7 PM to join us. As always, I pray that each of you spend time with the Lord daily. He longs to hear from you…not because he needs it, but because he loves you and you’re his child.
Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin |
Kevin's KolumnKevin Lough is the minister at the Whitehall Church of Christ in Fairmont WV. Archives
September 2019
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